Style Tips: New Year’s Resolutions

Don’t be afraid to experiment with color.
Although experimenting with color may seem like a simple resolution, it can be trickier than it seems, so take notes from Shailene Woodley, who recently hit the red carpet in an electric-violet lace dress. Now, a dress like this is sure to stand out from the crowd, but the reason this look works is as much about the accessories as it is about the dress. By adding simple black pumps into the mix, Shailene allowed her dress to take center stage, resulting in an exciting yet ladylike ensemble. If you are ready to experiment with color, try pairing a dress like Trina Turk’s Atlantis Dress ($258) or Topshop’s Fluro Dress ($98) with Dolce Vita’s Rosetta Pumps ($121).

Start investing in classic, timeless pieces.
Although it is fun to fill your wardrobe with seasonal picks, we recommend you use the new year to refine your style and invest in some classics that will last season after season. Take, for instance, the beige trench coat that Amber Heard was seen wearing recently. This is a timeless piece that every woman should have. The benefits? Not only will it instantly give any outfit a chic twist, but it really is so versatile—it works from season to season, and can be dressed down or dressed up. To start your style portfolio off on the right foot, consider these pieces: Burberry London’s Cotton-Gabardine Trench Coat($1,195), J Crew’s Icon Trench ($298), and Banana Republic’s Classic Trench ($198).

Give every outfit your signature touch.
Is there something about your style that you would consider your signature touch? If not, why not make 2012 the year you develop your signature, using Gwen Stefani for inspiration. Gwen is known for her eclectic, sometimes whimsical sense of personal style—while you may never know what she will wear next, there is something about every outfit that is quintessentially Gwen. (Plus, of course, she is known for her red lipstick!) Ready to give your style its signature? Consider these ideas: wear vintage jewelry like Free People’s Vintage Tiered Necklace ($328); dress in bohemian pieces like Akiko’s Empire Waist Dress ($120); or infuse every outfit with a rocker-chic piece like Obey’s Jump Street Studded Jacket ($108).

Update your look by tweaking your staples.
If you already have your look down cold, you can use the new year to fine-tune your style by making small tweaks to your staple pieces. And for inspiration, we suggest you look to Alessandra Ambrosio. Alessandra is often spotted wearing casually-chic outfits like boho blouses paired with jeans, and boots. The formula is simple, but there are many ways to change it up, like swapping out your blue jeans for a bright pink pair, the way Alessandra has done. If you are ready to fine-tune, consider tweaks like swapping your solid trousers for printed pants like 10 Crosby by Derek Lam’s Wide-Leg Trousers ($335), or exchanging your blue jeans for patterned jeans like Current/Elliott’s Snake-Print Jeans ($200).

Style Spy: In-Flight Fashion

Charlize Theron
When all else fails, wear black—this is one common rule of thumb you can follow when putting together your in-flight look. After all, as evidenced by Charlize Theron, an all-black look is anything but basic. In fact, by choosing an array of smart yet sensible black pieces, Charlize has created a look that feels super sophisticated, but is decidedly uncomplicated. The key? Pick pieces with fitted silhouettes and unfussy details—forget zippers, buttons, and buckles. Finish by adding a pair of dark glasses that will mask any signs of jetlag and sleep deprivation. To try this look for yourself, check out pieces like Spiewak’s Jasper Pea Coat ($180), J Brand’s 901 Low-Rise Jeans ($150), and J Crew’s Bellamy Ankle Boots ($150).

Freida Pinto
Comfort is of the utmost important when flying, which is why we love Freida Pinto’s take on in-flight fashion. Her outfit—a draped tee, black leggings, a lightweight scarf, and ballet flats—is guaranteed to keep her comfortable thanks to its unfussy details and soft silhouettes, plus it is decidedly chic. Of particular note is the practicality of her outfit. Her scarf will double as a second blanket on a cold flight, while her ballet flats are easy to slip on and off both during the flight and during pre-flight security. To make this look your own, look for pieces like Daydreamer LA’s Asymmetrical Tee ($29), So Low’s Jersey Leggings ($46), Brazen’s Fringed Wrap ($28), and Repetto’s BB Flats ($265).

Miranda Kerr
When you are traveling with a child, it is especially important that you put together an uncomplicated outfit. That said, we suggest you take notes from Miranda Kerr—who regularly travels with baby Flynn—and put together pieces that, while stylish, are simple and fuss-free. Miranda’s blouse is a perfect example. It effortlessly mixes a pretty print with an understated silhouette, resulting in an easy-to-wear look. Her jeans are similarly straightforward. Finally, Miranda’s hat instantly elevates her outfit from simple to stand-out, plus it helps to tame fly-away hairs! To try this look for yourself, check out pieces like Elie Tahari’s Tricia Blouse ($248), Current/Elliott’s The High Waist Jeans ($198), and Rag & Bone’s Dunaway Hat ($75).

Jennifer Aniston
When flying, it is important to keep in mind the weather at your final destination—after all, no one wants to land in a tropical climate wearing their winter wardrobe. That said, we suggest you take notes from Jennifer Aniston. Her simple white tank and boyfriend jeans check all the right boxes: comfortable, casual, and chic. Likewise, her flip-flops are fuss-free, her scarf will keep her warm when necessary, and her cross-body bag will hold everything she needs. The final touch? A pair of dark glasses and pulled-back hair! To make this expertly crafted look your own, look for pieces like Aqua’s Seamless Layering Tank ($28), Current/Elliott’s The Boyfriend Jeans ($206), and See by Chloe’s Cherry Large Cross-Body Bag ($540).

Style Tips: Winter 2011-12

Pair a cropped jacket with a chunky knit.
A cropped jacket might not seem like a winter-friendly piece, but it actually can be, especially if you take notes from Kate Moss this season. By pairing her cropped jacket with a chunky knit sweater, Kate has done two things: (a) ensured she will be cozy and warm all season long; and (b) balanced the cropped proportions of the jacket with an oversized knit. The result? An ultra-chic look in an instant! To try this look yourself, pair jackets like Burberry Prorsum’s Plaid Wool-Blend Cropped Coat ($1,497.50) and Plastic Island’s Harlow Cape Jacket ($135.80) with sweaters like Michael Michael Kors’ Cowl Neck Sweater ($69.50).

Look for sweaters in playful, bold prints.
We all have days when we need to just throw on a simple outfit and head out the door, but that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice our style for the sake of simplicity. On the contrary, a playfully-printed sweater is a quick way to punch up your winter wardrobe—as evidenced by Jessica Alba! In particular, we suggest you look for a sweater that will stand out on its own, allowing you to create the rest of your outfit using understated pieces. We like Kensie’s Polka Dot Sweater ($68), Madewell’s Spotted Snowfall Sweater ($85), Topshop’s Knitted Large-Spot Sweater ($80) and ASOS’s Fluffy Spot Sweater ($63.63).

Pick a classic trench with interesting details.
The trench coat is a classic piece that every girl should invest in. That said, if this is the season you plan to take the plunge, we suggest you look for a trench with eye-catching details like, for instance, the suede Burberry trench recently spotted on Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. The contrasting stitching and navy blue hue bring this coat to life, but the classic silhouette ensures that this coat will be a timeless purchase, not a one-season wonder. To make this look your own, check out these key pieces: Burberry’sBead-Detail Trench Coat ($3,995), M Missoni’s Striped-Trim Trench Coat ($695) and St. John’sContrast-Stitched Trench Coat ($1,495).

Balance bulky layers with skinny jeans.
Layering is a key principle when it comes to your winter wardrobe, which is why we suggest you take tips from Alexa Chung this season. Notice how Alexa has layered a chunky jacket over a lightweight anorak and a knit sweater to create a cozy yet chic upper-half? By finishing her look with a pair of ultra-skinny jeans and platform heels, Alexa has balanced her bulky upper-half with slim-fitting pieces, creating an effortlessly stylish look. To try this look yourself, we suggest pairing pieces like Topshop’sWool Pea Coat ($120), Pencey’s Worker Jacket ($111) and Vanessa Bruno’s Silk-Hemline Sweater($435) with Degaine’s Skinny Jeans ($99.99).